The days are getting longer and spring is springing, so try a running commute with these handy rucksacks Osprey Talon 22, £60 This technical pack really impressed our tester. It looks bulky but doesn't feel it and is incredibly stable on the run

it for an adventure race – hip pockets are perfect for stashing gels and food.Contact 01539 740840; www.lowealpine.comSalomon Fastrack 200 – £35At 20 litres, the Fastrack 200 will provide ample packing space for most running commuters. You’ll have little trouble

. The straps are held neatly in place with Velcro, and Camelbak’s trademark two-litre reservoir – usually £20 – is included in the price, making the rucksack great value for money. Contact 01845 521 737; www.zyro.eu.comLowe Alpine Wadi – £45Capacity 15LWeight

of the packs weighed in at around 500g but the Rocket is a whopping 1.6kg empty. However, it is stable and comfortable to run with. Summary Best for indiscriminate packers or triathletes. How It Rated Comfort 8 Stability 6 Weight 4 Capacity 10 Extra

won by Parachute units. For the record my marathon PB is 2:52... without a bergan! – Jonah Unless you're training for an elite regiment or an ultra-marathon in the desert, training with a rucksack carries no tangible benefit. Steady, structured

You strap on your rucksack, take a swig of sports drink and the commute home begins. Or you hit the street-lamp bathed pavements after the kids are in bed, or drag your weary limbs from the duvet's embrace for an early morning weekend trot. Sure

."Dress code1 Build your costume around a backpack-style harness for comfort. Use material that won't dissolve or grow heavy with rain or sweat.2 If your costume is heavier than your running kit, train by running with a weighted rucksack.3 Be prepared for a

with a robust rucksack that will be my best friend for the duration of the race. The great thing about this pack, the Sky 30+10, is that it expands and shrinks depending on the space required, so as the race goes on and I consume the food I bring I can

Q I’ve recently taken up running, after losing 115lbs in 18 months and giving up smoking after 25 years. I’ve been running for about 20 minutes every morning for four months, but my goals are to build this up to 45 minutes, five times per week

training. Take them in moderation. With gels, you don’t need a rucksack full of them at the start line unless you plan on selling them for a profit at mile 20 (not a bad idea). And as with all things, try them on your long runs before you use them